Sun (Maime) Butler, Ph.D., DLLP
Owner and Psychologist
As a Black Queer Non-Binary clinician, I understand the unique intersectional experiences that can shape who we are as individuals. Sometimes our experiences are wonderful and create great memories. However, as we navigate our lives, past traumas or other unexpected experiences may affect how we progress toward a healthy and satisfying life. These experiences may be overwhelming and difficult, sometimes causing you to feel depressed, anxious, or even detached from yourself and others. When these difficulties arise, you may need guidance navigating towards healing so that you can experience a healthy, satisfying life. It is my goal to work with clients so that they can reach their optimal capacity.
I approach therapy holistically, considering all aspects of the individual (e.g., background, race/ethnicity identity, sexual and gender identity) that may shape development. Building trust and connection by respecting differences, mutuality, and empathy is important to me. I incorporate the healing power of creative expression.
I utilize Liberation Reiki and Sound Healing, breathwork, and somatic bodywork along with culturally responsive therapy approaches.
My work experience includes family and children services, mobile crisis response, university counseling centers (Purdue CAPS, UNC Charlotte), and private practice. I received an M.A., and Ph.D., in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University.
My specific areas are racial identity, race-based stress, 2-SLGBTQ+, gender expansiveness, transgender identity, trauma, and mood-related concerns.
Sun (Maime) Butler is a psychologist with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University, specializing in culturally responsive therapy, racial identity, race-related stress, social justice, 2SLGBTQ+ issues, and trauma-informed care. Their research and clinical work are rooted in supporting marginalized communities, including Black students in predominantly white institutions, transgender and gender-expansive individuals, trauma and mood disorders, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Dr. Butler has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy, including work with college students and community members through roles at Purdue University and Meredith Psychological and Testing Services. They are skilled in facilitating training on racial equity, anti-bias, multiculturalism, and intersectionality, and sexual and gender-expansive communities, working closely with educational institutions and community organizations to foster inclusivity and cultural responsiveness.
In addition to their clinical practice, Dr. Butler has co-authored peer-reviewed articles, presented at national conferences, and led workshops on Black mental health, intersectionality, and empowerment. As a dedicated educator, they have taught graduate-level courses on multicultural counseling and ethics, with a strong focus on diversity and equity in mental health care.
Committed to both academic and community leadership, Dr. Butler has held positions with various community-based organizations, sitting on boards, operating as board president, and volunteering in community non-profit areas. They are a part of the Association of Black Psychologists, American Psychological Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Black Therapist Rock. They are also certified in Liberation Reiki and sound healing, and trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). They work to further enhance their holistic and culturally responsive approach to therapy by continuing their learning and currently undergoing training in psychedelic-assisted therapy and somatic work within BIPOC communities.
